Lauren Mumford's Senior Reflection

Looking Back, Moving Forward                                   

My time here at Centenary University has been a movie! When I first arrived at Centenary University, it was after my two-year journey at Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey.  

When I first visited Centenary, it was during an open house, when I was checking out colleges to see where I wanted to attend after community college. I was shy, nervous, and did not really want to talk much. My mom was the real talker, LAUGH OUT LOUD! She was telling me to ask questions and get to know the professors, but I just kept shaking my head. 

After I opened up more, I realized that this was the school I wanted to commit to because of the family-like environment, small school, and easier one-on-one relationships with your professors.

On January 3, 2023, I moved onto campus in Lotte Hall for my first semester here at Centenary University, the spring semester. I was shy and very nervous, not knowing what to expect. My mom stayed with me until 8 p.m. As soon as she left, I sobbed. My mom has been my best friend and my number one inspiration since I was younger, so leaving her and being away from home for the first time was hard, very hard. 

Since that day, I have met the most amazing friends, and I have formed bonds that I would never change or forget. I am glad that I came to Centenary, because if I didn’t, then I would not have met my amazing friends,  and I would not be where I am today. Shout-out to my close friends on campus. They know who they are. Centenary gave me so many awesome experiences. Without Centenary, I would not be on the Majorette Dance Team or even in the sweetest sorority, Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc., which gave me sisters for life. 

Class-wise, I have had some good and some bad experiences since I started; not everyone has good ones. However, I still got a pleasant college experience, and that is what I am thankful for.  My favorite classes this semester were my painting class with Professor Coco and my newspaper class with Professor Zatta. I love to write, so being able to write freely and the fact that other people get to read my stories makes me even happier. If I had the chance, I definitely would take this class again; it's too bad I'm graduating. 🙁

With graduation slowly approaching, I would just like to say that I enjoyed my two years here. The one thing that I am going to miss the most is all the events that they had during my time here. It was always loads of fun. 

Jamie, if you're reading this, you rock at what you do! I will miss you :) 

My advice to incoming freshmen would be STUDIES COME FIRST!! Always make sure that you are focused and getting your work done! Go out there and be active! Join clubs! Go out to events and meet new people! It will benefit you in the end. Trust me, the events are worth it! Also, not everyone you meet is going to be your best friend, and that is okay! Just always be yourself and never change for anyone! At the end of the day, that same person is not going to be with you 20 years from now. You will still be successful without them. 

I would not be where I am without the family and people in my life. I would have never experienced this college experience if it were not for my mom; she pushed me to go away from home to gain my independence. She is one of my inspirations in life! Also, to my grandfathers who passed away, my mom, step mom, and dad, I love you guys! I hope I am making you proud! As I said in the beginning, I am looking back on my experience at Centenary and moving forward!